Navy awards $6.7M flight training contract to FlightSafety Defense Corp. for services in Florida
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,725,040 ($6.7M)
Contractor: Flightsafety Defense Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-07-01
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: MILTON, SANTA ROSA County, FLORIDA, 32570
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.7 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION for work described as: CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized aviation training. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide predictable spending. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration of one year allows for flexibility and performance review. 5. Geographic focus on Florida may indicate regional training needs or facility availability. 6. This award falls within the professional and technical services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.7 million for one year of flight training services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar Department of Defense flight training contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Without specific per-unit cost data, a detailed pricing assessment is limited, but the overall award size is within expected ranges for such specialized training.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to present their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust process designed to achieve competitive pricing and optimal value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives the most advantageous offer available.
Public Impact
Naval aviators and aircrew will receive essential flight training, enhancing operational readiness. The services delivered will support the Department of the Navy's aviation mission. Training will primarily take place in Florida, impacting the local economy through contractor operations. The contract supports specialized instructional roles within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if training requirements are not clearly defined.
- Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain qualified instructors and aircraft.
- Geographic concentration in Florida could be a vulnerability if local conditions change.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
- Contractor's specialization in flight training indicates relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on specialized flight training. The market for defense-related training is substantial, driven by the need for continuous skill development and mission readiness across various military branches. Comparable spending benchmarks for flight training can vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and complexity of instruction. This $6.7 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this specialized niche.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, FlightSafety Defense Corporation, will likely manage the entire scope of work. Opportunities for small businesses would typically arise if the prime contractor voluntarily engages them for support services, which is not explicitly detailed in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, which inherently provides a degree of cost control. Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting officer and technical representatives responsible for ensuring performance standards are met. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues or investigations related to contract performance or compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Aviation Training
- Flight Simulation Services
- Pilot Training Programs
- Defense Contractor Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for instructor availability issues.
- Reliance on specific geographic location.
- Need for clear performance metrics.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, flight-training, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, professional-services, florida, aviation, instructional-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.7 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION. CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.
What is FlightSafety Defense Corporation's track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in flight training contracts?
FlightSafety Defense Corporation has a significant history of providing training services to the Department of Defense. While specific details of past performance on similar flight training contracts are not provided in this data snippet, the company is a known entity in the defense training sector. A deeper analysis would involve reviewing their contract history, past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any documented successes or challenges in delivering complex training solutions. Their ability to secure this $6.7 million award suggests a positive assessment of their capabilities and past performance by the Navy.
How does the $6.7 million contract value compare to similar flight training contracts awarded by the Navy or other branches?
The $6.7 million contract value for a one-year flight training service is within a typical range for specialized military training. However, direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the specific aircraft, duration of training per student, instructor-to-student ratios, and the complexity of the curriculum. For instance, training for advanced fighter pilots on complex simulators would command a higher price than basic flight instruction for rotary-wing aircraft. Benchmarking against contracts for similar platforms and training objectives would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price nature, however, provides a degree of cost certainty for this specific award.
What are the primary risks associated with this specific flight training contract?
Key risks include potential instructor attrition, which could disrupt training schedules and impact readiness. Another risk is the reliance on specific training facilities or equipment, which could face operational issues or require costly maintenance. Furthermore, changes in military doctrine or operational requirements could necessitate modifications to the training curriculum, potentially leading to scope creep or contract disputes if not managed carefully. The geographic concentration in Florida also presents a risk if unforeseen local events (e.g., weather, base closures) impact operations. Ensuring the contractor maintains high standards of instruction and safety is paramount.
How effective is flight training provided under firm-fixed-price contracts in meeting military readiness goals?
Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally effective in meeting military readiness goals when requirements are well-defined and stable. The FFP structure incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently and within budget, which can lead to predictable training outcomes. However, if the training requirements are complex or subject to frequent change, an FFP contract might discourage necessary adjustments or lead to disputes over scope. For flight training, where standardization and adherence to specific flight hours and maneuvers are critical, FFP can be a suitable mechanism. Success hinges on clear performance metrics and robust government oversight to ensure the quality and completeness of the training provided.
What are the historical spending patterns for flight training services within the Department of Defense?
Historical spending on flight training within the Department of Defense is substantial and fluctuates based on fleet sizes, new platform introductions, operational tempo, and geopolitical factors. The Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines all invest heavily in training programs across various aircraft types, from basic trainers to advanced combat platforms. Spending can range from hundreds of millions to billions annually across the DoD. This $6.7 million award represents a small fraction of the overall defense training budget but is significant for the specific capability it addresses. Analyzing trends requires looking at aggregate spending data over several fiscal years.
What is the significance of the contract being awarded in Florida?
The contract's focus on Florida is significant as the state hosts numerous naval air stations and training facilities, making it a strategic location for aviation operations and training. This concentration suggests that the Navy has existing infrastructure or preferred training environments in the region. It may also reflect the availability of specialized civilian training providers or favorable operating conditions. For the local economy, this award means jobs and economic activity related to supporting flight training operations, including instructors, maintenance personnel, and support staff.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N6134019R0096
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 DIPLOMACY ROAD, FORT WORTH, TX, 76155
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,528,640
Exercised Options: $11,528,640
Current Obligation: $6,725,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6134020D0021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-07-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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